Kawasaki VN800 Classic (1996-2004)

The Kawasaki VN800 engine’s a superb piece of kit, in it for the long haul and, overall, the bodywork’s made to match it. The paint is rich and gorgeous but decals and logos are of poorer quality plus some of the welding isn’t that great. In other words, it’s not perfect but it’s not half bad, either.

The Kawasaki VN800 was well-priced against its rivals (ranging from Harley-Davidson Sportsters to Suzuki’s Marauder and Intruder). Its reliability means it holds its price well but it’s unlikely to compete with a second-hand Harley: that name on a tank adds value, like it or not. Overall? Average to good. Find a Kawasaki VN800 for sale.

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1996: VN800 Classic model launched as an updated version of the standard VN800. Only minor changes until it was discontinued in 2004.

Kawasaki VN800: The bike which took over from the old Kawasaki VN750, this one ran from 1995 to 1998. It had different geometry, tyres and gear ratios and a higher seat than the Classic.
Kawasaki VN800 Drifter: Essentially the same as the Classic but with vast swathes of extra bodywork. A styled-up, “Indian” version: pretty OTT. Ran from 1999 to 2004.
Kawasaki VN900: Where the VN800 left off, the VN900 took over. Cubic capacity’s up to 903cc. It was launched in early 2006. See seperate review.